66 4x4 converstion need help

[smallblock kid]

alright so ive been gather parts to do this converstion for a couple years now since i got the truck my sophmore year of high school well now its senior year and im still collecting parts anyways ive got a 79 4x4 frame with the drivetrain in it and i originally was going to put my 66 body on it but i just ran into a 62 4x4 that was for $650 so now which one is going to be the easier way buy the 62 and put my body on it or just stick with the frame ive got and im trying to keep this fairly low budget

[csb#356]

I would say swapping a 60-66 body on 60-66 frame would be the easiest because there shouldn't be any modification needed. I would just say buy the 62 no matter what becuse thats a good price!

[skoffice]

I don't know much about 60-66 4x4 trucks but I know the 2wd have different frames in 60-62. I'm not sure but the body mounts might be different. I would post in the 60-66 section too just to be sure. That is a killer deal for a 62 4x4 though!

[smallblock kid]

just talked to the guy and about the 62 and it doenst have the transfercase and the biggest thing for me is its a 3hr drive and theres snow everywhere

['63GENIII]

I would get the '62, leave the '66 the way it is or sell it for money to graft the '79 to the '62. The '62 has a different width frame than both the '79 and
'66 so I would start taking parts from the '79 and putting them on the '62. Grab the trans, transfercase, driveshafts and possibly the axles from the '79 for use on the '62 ect. I wouldn't try swapping bodies though. I have a '62 c10 body on a 72 Suburban frame that I bought sight unseen and the PO did such a hack job on it that I've never been comfortable driving it. The '62 that you have a line on seems to be a good price,you just need to fill in the blanks with some of the parts you already have. Post some pics if you can

['63GENIII]

Oops. Just notice the 3 hr drive in the snow part. If you could trailer it I would still call it a great deal.

[62 short step]

I would get the 62 4x4. It would be the easiest thing to do. Keep in mind, the 60-66 4x4 frames are the same. The 60-66 2wd frames are different for sure. 60-62 are the same then the 63-66 are the same. If you put the 66 cab on the 62 4x4 frame, you will have to change the front cab mounts that are rivited to the 4x4 frame. And use the 66 mounts from the 2wd frame. That way the cab will bolt right up.

[smallblock kid]

the 66 is probably going to stay beings ive already got a good junk of body work done on it and it is my first truck but what i kinda originaly thought was get the 62 put my body on it take the body off it stick it on the 2wd frame and sell it and the 79 ive got in which case id come out with more money than i put in to the whole project but i kinda doubt thats gonna happen now

[66-PMD-GMC]

The 79 frame does you absolutely no good as you have to channel the cab to make it fit. It is not at all worth the trouble.
The 79 rear end will bolt right up to a 62 suspension.
My rear end is from a 79 so I have absolute certainty it fits.
I don't know about the front because I converted my 4x4 frame to a 2x4.
If the leaf spring location is different, move the leaf pads...
Simple..

[smallblock kid]

I would have just put a body lift to make the cab fit over the frame. But anyways Ive got great news the weathers finally been warm enough the roads are in great conditions and I asked the guy if he would go any lower just kinda wondering if he would. He said hed take $400 so looks like im getting it tomorrow! Ill post some pics when I get it

[62 short step]

Originally Posted by smallblock kid

I would have just put a body lift to make the cab fit over the frame. But anyways Ive got great news the weathers finally been warm enough the roads are in great conditions and I asked the guy if he would go any lower just kinda wondering if he would. He said hed take $400 so looks like im getting it tomorrow! Ill post some pics when I get it

Cool!

[66-PMD-GMC]

Originally Posted by smallblock kid

I would have just put a body lift to make the cab fit over the frame. But anyways Ive got great news the weathers finally been warm enough the roads are in great conditions and I asked the guy if he would go any lower just kinda wondering if he would. He said hed take $400 so looks like im getting it tomorrow! Ill post some pics when I get it

Honestly, even with a body lift your opening an all new can of worms else where.
Rock on with the 4X4 and do a sweet rat rod with the 66. It's the best of both worlds.

[smallblock kid]

got it home was a really long trip but it was smooth sailing didn have any problems the body isnt as good of shape as i was hoping but heck i got what i was wanting the frame and axles o and its got this huge pipe bumper on the front with a spot for a winch which we thought may have been run off pto? but anyways pretty happy with it and now the build begins

[smallblock kid]

o and the guy had sooo many cool 4x4 projects and all kinds of parts im definatly going to be making a trip back to maybe get some parts and possible other projects

[smallblock kid]

mk i guess i wont put pics up i can seem to figure out how to get them to want to upload

[smallblock kid]

heres a picture for ya what do u guys think about it personally i think it was worth the $400 o and its got a pretty nice hood that i can use just didnt have it on in the pic

[Walts_restoration]

Where you at in kansas? nice to see other local members. Looks like a good deal for 400, if i didnt have too many projects id consider it. Almost bought an 86 xj cheerokee tonight haha.

[smallblock kid]

Belle Plaine its about 30 min or so south of wichita and i had to go to belleville ks to get this truck and i went literally border to border in kansas cuz im about 15-20 miles from ok border and i was only 20 mile or so from the nebraska border

[66-PMD-GMC]

It is a score Kid...
Keep all the best parts for your truck and sell off the others to fund your build.
Very nice score.